original sin

noun

1
: the state of sin that according to Christian theology characterizes all human beings as a result of Adam's fall
2
: a wrong of great magnitude
the original sin of slavery

Examples of original sin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Her concept of gravity draws on both East and West, on karma and original sin. Meghan O’Gieblyn, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026 To be sure, this was not the first time Americans have raised the importance of addressing America’s original sin. Marcus Anthony Hunter, Time, 19 June 2026 Weiss’s original sin was setting up Bilton to be in a boxing ring with Pelley without any backup. Daniel Strauss, Vulture, 5 June 2026 Slavery has always been America’s original sin, something Faulkner and Morrison best grapple with in their fiction. Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for original sin

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of original sin was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Original sin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/original%20sin. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

original sin

noun
1
: the state of sin that according to Christian teaching all people are born in as a result of Adam's sin in Eden
2
: a very great and significant wrong
the original sin of slavery

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